Park Alerts – San Francisco Recreation and Parkhttp://sfrecpark.org
Get out and play!Thu, 14 Dec 2017 01:33:42 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.1SF Rec & Parks to Launch Free Holiday Fun at Embarcadero Plazahttp://sfrecpark.org/sf-rec-parks-to-launch-free-holiday-fun-at-embarcadero-plaza/
Fri, 01 Dec 2017 23:54:13 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=116286SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today the launch of a series of free holiday sports at Embarcadero Plaza. The Plaza already features the Holiday Ice Rink, located at heart of the Embarcadero Plaza. Now the Department is adding free, fun, drop-in, sports including Disc … Continue reading →]]>

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today the launch of a series of free holiday sports at Embarcadero Plaza. The Plaza already features the Holiday Ice Rink, located at heart of the Embarcadero Plaza. Now the Department is adding free, fun, drop-in, sports including Disc Golfing, Skateboarding, Rock Climbing, Slacklining, and Bocce Ball games on the south side of the Plaza. The goal is to offer free fun recreation for park constituents living, working and visiting the City’s open space in the waterfront area.

“We are fortunate to live in a City where we can enjoy winter traditions such as ice skating at the same time as we bike, roller skate and rock climb,” said Mayor Edwin M. Lee. “As the heart of both or our downtown and waterfront areas, the Embarcadero Plaza is a perfect spot to host such a wide array of activities and athletic events. Our residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a truly unique experience when they come to the Embarcadero this holiday season.”

While there are permitted events celebrating special occasions and Artist Market at the Plaza year-round, Ferry Bocce League hosts fun and competitive games from Spring through Fall in the evening hours each year.

“We are so excited to be offering fun sports daily at the Embarcadero Plaza this holiday season,” said Phil Ginsburg, SF Rec and Parks’ General Manager. “We look forward to seeing everyone playing with their friends and families in the outdoors and enjoying the warmth of California winter sun.”

The free sports activities will be available during the month of December from 11AM to 3PM, with the exceptions of rain, and the following dates: December 7th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st and January 1st. From 11:00AM to 1:00PM, Tuesdays are Disc Golfing, Wednesdays are Skateboarding, Thursdays, Rock Climbing, Fridays, Skateboarding, and Saturdays are Slacklining. And from Tuesdays through Saturdays 1:00PM to 3:00PM, Bocce Ball games will be available to everyone. All free activities are available at first-come-first-serve basis.

According to Christopher Pollock, SF Rec and Parks’ Historian-in-Residence, in the late 1800s, the Plaza area was an early hub for Union Depot and Ferry House in San Francisco. The Embarcadero was the focus of the City’s port for all cargos arriving and being shipped via sea. Later, in 1956, the board plaza was built as part of Redevelopment Agency’s waterfront design efforts, and initially known as Ferry Building Park, the name was changed to Embarcadero Plaza during the project planning stage. Finally, in 1972, the Plaza construction was completed, a primarily brick and concrete hardscape, was designed by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin association with architects Mario Ciampi and John Bolles and Associates.

And just as the Plaza was about to open, the City’s Recreation and Park Commission approved a resolution during their meeting in April of 1972, to rename the area formerly known as Embarcadero Plaza (Ferry Park), to “Justin Herman Park”, and later formally changed to Justin Herman Plaza in October of the same year. At the time, Justin Herman was recognized for his work as the City’s Redevelopment Agency executive director. Then in September of 2017, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors legislated and voted unanimously to urge the Recreation and Park Commission to rename the Plaza back to Embarcadero Plaza. Subsequently, in November, the Commission voted to support the Board of Supervisors’ resolution, and officially renamed Justin Herman Plaza to Embarcadero Plaza.

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]]>Holiday Events in SF Parkshttp://sfrecpark.org/winter-lights-and-other-holiday-events-in-sf-parks/
Sun, 26 Nov 2017 18:23:28 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=116180Join us for “Winter Lights in Golden Gate Park” on Thursday, December 7, from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring the 88th annual lighting of the city’s official holiday tree at McLaren Lodge (501 Stanyan Street and Fell) at 6 p.m., followed by a stunning new light art installation at the … Continue reading →]]>

Join us for “Winter Lights in Golden Gate Park” on Thursday, December 7, from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring the 88th annual lighting of the city’s official holiday tree at McLaren Lodge (501 Stanyan Street and Fell) at 6 p.m., followed by a stunning new light art installation at the Conservatory of Flowers (100 JFK Drive) at 7 p.m.

From McLaren Lodge to Conservatory Valley, this free, family-friendly event will include carnival rides, a cookie factory, arts and crafts for kids, visits with Santa, music and live entertainment.

The Conservatory of Flowers light show will celebrate the natural wonders of the seasons with “Photosynthesis: Love for All Seasons,” a new series of artistic illuminations on the building’s iconic façade that will appear nightly through Spring 2018. For more information, click here.

]]>SF Rec and Parks Opens Newly Renovated Play Fields at West Sunset Playgroundhttp://sfrecpark.org/sf-rec-and-park-opens-newly-renovated-play-fields-at-west-sunset-playground/
Fri, 17 Nov 2017 02:01:38 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=116112SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department announced today the reopening of the playfields at West Sunset Playground after $13.6 million renovation funded by the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond. West Sunset Playground, 18 acres in size, features a children’s playground, athletic courts, two baseball … Continue reading →]]>

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department announced today the reopening of the playfields at West Sunset Playground after $13.6 million renovation funded by the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond. West Sunset Playground, 18 acres in size, features a children’s playground, athletic courts, two baseball fields, one softball field, four soccer fields, two formal bleacher stadium structures, and a parking lot. The Playground also has a clubhouse immediately next to the Ortega Branch Library. The Playground is located in the Outer Sunset neighborhood, between 39th and 41st Avenues, and Ortega and Ouintara streets. It is popular and beloved by the children, youth and families in the neighborhood as it is situated between three schools, Sunset Elementary School, A.P. Giannini Middle School, and Saint Ignatius High School. The playfields at West Sunset Playground are heavily used by athletic programs citywide.

“We are thrilled that home runs, bicycle kicks and base hits will be back at the West Sunset Playground,” said Mayor Edwin M. Lee. “As a central location for numerous schools and local families, this playground provides an accessible place for our young athletes to take part in safe, healthy and fun activities. Parks and open spaces are the cornerstones of San Francisco communities, and we are proud to invest in projects that improve and upgrade them for our residents.”

“The West Sunset playfields are such an asset to our community, being surrounded on all sides by schools, a library, and a playground,” said District 4 Supervisor Katy Tang whose district includes West Sunset Playground. “This investment in their renovation means that many generations of children and families will enjoy clean, safe, and accessible playfields right in their own backyard.”

The $13.6 million playfield renovation included overall site accessibility improvements to the perimeter and pathways of the Park that involved replacement of the sidewalk, fencing, and retaining wall to meet current American Disability Act (ADA) standards. The renovation also included new sod for the playfields; upgrades to the irrigation system and the field and court lighting; new bleacher seating; and new bleachers storage to provide additional storage, restrooms and administrative space for field management. All improvements to park features have remained in their previous locations and configurations.

“West Sunset Playground represents what we sought to accomplish with our parks bonds: to make our parks clean and safe for everyone to enjoy,” said Phil Ginsburg, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s General Manager. “With input from neighbors and contributions from our city partners, we have rejuvenated a community space that has served three schools, local families, and citywide athletic clubs for 60 years. We look forward to having everyone get out and play!”

In September 2015, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, a joint initiative of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players, awarded the Department a $40,000 grant to support the West Sunset playfield renovation. The grant funds supported construction of two batting cages for the baseball diamonds. The addition of batting cages will increase usage by allowing kids to practice their swing while others are developing skills on the field. The San Francisco Giants, the City’s professional baseball team, supported the Department’s effort during the grant application process.

“On behalf of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, we are pleased to support the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and its efforts to provide opportunities for kids to learn the game in safe, accessible facilities,” said Cathy Bradley, executive director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. “We hope that the community’s youth baseball and softball programs take full advantage of this top-quality complex at West Sunset Playground.”

West Sunset Playground was built in 1957 with various minor renovations completed in the early 1970’s and mid 1980’s. Most recently, in 2011, the Recreation and Park Department in partnership with the San Francisco Public Library and Public Works, renovated West Sunset children’s playground and the Ortega Branch Library. A small single room clubhouse located between the playground and the library, is currently leased to the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center where they provide programs to support healthy development of children and youth in the Sunset District.

“Having a library and playground next to each other creates a great community gathering place,” saidLuis Herrera, City Librarian who oversees the City’s public library system including Ortega Branch Library. “With the improvements to the playfields, even more families will be able to learn, play and have fun together in the Sunset.”

“Whether you’re playing on the fields or sitting in the bleachers to watch a game, the experience will be much better all-around with these upgrades,” said San Francisco Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, whose team provided construction management and design services for the project. “Thanks to the generosity of San Francisco voters, we’re seeing improvements to our parks, playgrounds and rec centers across the City, with the Sunset now the most recent beneficiary.”

]]>McLaren Bike Park Closed Monday, November 13http://sfrecpark.org/mclaren-bike-park-is-closed-for-saturday-november-4/
Mon, 13 Nov 2017 17:00:49 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115974The McLaren Bike Park is closed today, Monday, November 13, 2017 due to wet conditions. Staff will assess the park’s condition on Tuesday, November 14 and make a determination in the morning.]]>

The McLaren Bike Park is closed today, Monday, November 13, 2017 due to wet conditions. Staff will assess the park’s condition on Tuesday, November 14 and make a determination in the morning.

]]>McLaren Bike Park Hours Post-Daylight Saving Timehttp://sfrecpark.org/mclaren-bike-park-hours-post-daylight-saving-time/
Wed, 08 Nov 2017 00:01:26 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115987McLaren Bike Park will close at 5 p.m. due to darkness after the recent end to Daylight Saving Time. Staff will begin closing at 6 p.m. when the change in daylight allows.]]>

McLaren Bike Park will close at 5 p.m. due to darkness after the recent end to Daylight Saving Time.

Staff will begin closing at 6 p.m. when the change in daylight allows.

]]>Chinese Movie Night at St. Mary’s Square in Chinatownhttp://sfrecpark.org/event/chinese-movie-night-at-st-marys-square-in-chinatown/
Sun, 29 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=115630Join us for the opening of the newly constructed park space at St. Mary’s Square (650 California Street) with a movie night! The event will take place on Saturday, October 28 from … Continue reading →]]>

Join us for the opening of the newly constructed park space at St. Mary’s Square (650 California Street) with a movie night! The event will take place on Saturday, October 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. and will feature the film Kung Fu Yoga starring Jackie Chan at 6 p.m.! This FREE event will additionally have face painting, a tai chi class and food for sale. For more information about the project, click here. We look forward to seeing you there!

]]>Scaregrove on October 27!http://sfrecpark.org/event/scaregrove-on-october-27/
Fri, 27 Oct 2017 22:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=115626Boo! Scaregrove returns to Stern Grove (19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard), on Friday, October 27 from 3 to 9 p.m. An “out of this world” Halloween event, this year’s event will feature a … Continue reading →]]>

Boo! Scaregrove returns to Stern Grove (19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard), on Friday, October 27 from 3 to 9 p.m. An “out of this world” Halloween event, this year’s event will feature a costume contest and parade, haunted houses, hay rides, carnival rides, giant inflatables, food for sale and live entertainment. $10 per person; children under 2 years old are free!

Tickets are now available at the McLaren Lodge Annex (501 Stanyan Street in Golden Gate Park) Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until the day of the event.

Want to volunteer for this event? Volunteers are needed for a wide range of jobs, from haunted house characters to face painting! If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please click here to sign up or get more information.

Due to wet conditions, the following athletic fields are closed today, Friday, October 20, 2017:

Jackson Playground
Potereo Hill
Balboa Sunberg
Balboa Sweeney

]]>Big Truck Day on October 4http://sfrecpark.org/event/big-truck-day-on-october-4/
Wed, 04 Oct 2017 17:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=115577Join us for Big Truck Day on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at McLaren Park (100 John F. Shelley Drive at Mansell Street). This FREE event is geared with activities for … Continue reading →]]>

Join us for Big Truck Day on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at McLaren Park (100 John F. Shelley Drive at Mansell Street). This FREE event is geared with activities for children 2 to 6 years old, and offers the opportunity to be up close and personal to the trucks we see regularly throughout the city. Explore trucks from different city agencies, see them in action and listen to the sounds they make. For more information, please contact Rachelle Henley here or at (415) 813-0067.

]]>Driveway Closed for Paving 09/22/2017http://sfrecpark.org/driveway-closed-for-paving-09222017/
Tue, 19 Sep 2017 17:52:46 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115348The driveway of the Glen Canyon Recreation Center will be closed for repaving this Friday, September 22, 2017. During this time, please observe the trail detours as shown below. Thank you!

]]>Palace of Fine Arts Construction Notificationhttp://sfrecpark.org/palace-of-fine-arts-construction-notification/
Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:48:20 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115152The asphalt path around the Palace of Fine Arts will undergo maintenance from 9/20-9/22 and 9/25-9/29. A sealcoat will be applied to the asphalt to maintain the longevity of the path. This coating requires at least 24 hours to cure. Please obey all signage and respect taped off areas by … Continue reading →]]>

The asphalt path around the Palace of Fine Arts will undergo maintenance from 9/20-9/22 and 9/25-9/29. A sealcoat will be applied to the asphalt to maintain the longevity of the path. This coating requires at least 24 hours to cure. Please obey all signage and respect taped off areas by not stepping on the coating as it will interfere with the curing process, and will damage your shoes.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For more information the project manager is Felix Tong (felix.tong@sfgov.org or 415-831-6844)

]]>Help Us Repair Koret Playgroundhttp://sfrecpark.org/help-us-repair-koret-playground/
Wed, 30 Aug 2017 20:21:51 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=114523On June 24, the beloved Koret Children’s Quarter playground was vandalized, severely damaging the structure and closing part of the playground. The SF Parks Alliance is leading the community effort to raise funds to restore the playground. To donate or for more information, click here: https://t.co/YjxCK2TqJn On behalf of San … Continue reading →]]>

On June 24, the beloved Koret Children’s Quarter playground was vandalized, severely damaging the structure and closing part of the playground. The SF Parks Alliance is leading the community effort to raise funds to restore the playground. To donate or for more information, click here: https://t.co/YjxCK2TqJn

A new dog drinking fountain is being installed and should be ready by next week.

In the meantime, water is available at the drinking fountain along the road across from the Golden Gate Park Senior Center, or at the SF Model Yacht Clubhouse restrooms.

For more information or questions about this job, please contact the project manager, Laura Pate, at 415-831-2784 or at laura.pate@sfgov.org.

]]>New Benches & Picnic Tables Arriving Soon at Alamo Square!http://sfrecpark.org/new-benches-picnic-tables-arriving-soon-at-alamo-square/
Mon, 28 Aug 2017 17:53:16 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115007Fourteen new benches and three new picnic tables are arriving soon at Alamo Square. It is anticipated that the installation will be complete by mid-September.

The front and rear plazas are open and feature new lighting, decorative stone inlays, and seat walls. As part of the building’s LEED Certified renovation, the wood seats atop the walls were salvaged from the gymnasium bleachers prior to construction. Two picnic areas are now open, and the drinking fountain with a pet bowl has been reinstalled.

New trees and shrubs are arriving on site this week and planting will commence shortly. Two new lawn areas will be installed in September and will require 30 days to establish before they are open to the public. The driveway at the bottom of the Bosworth entrance will also be repaved in early September.

Please note that the main building entrance will be closed from September 5 through September 13. During this time the exterior restrooms will also be closed. Please access the Rec Center from the west entrance as shown in the diagram below.

New seat wall benches with salvaged Douglas fir from the gymnasium.

Three picnic tables next to Charles Sowers’ Solar Totems.

The reinstalled pet drinking fountain on the west side of the Rec Center.

A few of the new plants that will be installed soon.

]]>IN CHAN KAAJAL PARK ADVISORY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY, AUGUST 26, 2017http://sfrecpark.org/in-chan-kaajal-park-advisory-construction-activity-august-26-2017/
Fri, 25 Aug 2017 23:10:53 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=114982Continue reading →]]>Repair work for the swings pole and the net structure fire-pole will be done on Saturday, August 26, from 7 am to 3:30 pm. The children’s play area will remain open during construction. For your safety, please do not enter fenced areas. Community Playgrounds will perform the repairs. The construction fence at the swings will remain until Monday, August 28. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

]]>Guy Place Mini Park News!http://sfrecpark.org/guy-place-mini-park-news/
Fri, 14 Jul 2017 19:01:28 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=114220Continue reading →]]>The long-anticipated Guy Place Mini Park project is on the move again! The park design, which was approved in 2014, has been adjusted to replace eight of the park’s proposed vine columns with eight multi-trunk birch trees.

These trees will provide canopy coverage with dappled shade over the park. The trees feature a naturally peeling bark and are known for bright golden autumn foliage, which will fall away to allow for winter sun. A California grape, also known for its bright fall color, will be trained on the park’s three vine columns. Shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers throughout the park will offer pollinator-friendly flowers with an emphasis on year-round interest.

A community open house for the South Downtown Activation Plan featuring Guy Place Mini Park will be held on August 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at 375 Beale Street.

It is anticipated that the project will go out to bid in fall 2017.

Site plan

Bird’s eye view of Guy Place Mini Park

Seating and gathering space

Granite slab with optional “weeping wall” water feature

Multi-trunk birch tree

California grape in autumn

]]>July is Park and Recreation Monthhttp://sfrecpark.org/july-is-park-and-recreation-month/
Mon, 10 Jul 2017 23:29:14 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=114110In partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), we celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July by highlighting all of the exciting things going on in your parks over the next several weeks. From concerts in the park to celebrations and free park play day events, SF Rec … Continue reading →]]>

In partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), we celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July by highlighting all of the exciting things going on in your parks over the next several weeks. From concerts in the park to celebrations and free park play day events, SF Rec and Park is proud to provide a wide array of activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy this summer. This July, celebrate your parks by getting outside to your favorite park to play.

]]>17th & Folsom Park Name Unveiling & Opening Celebrationhttp://sfrecpark.org/event/17th-folsom-park-name-unveiling-opening-celebration/
Fri, 23 Jun 2017 22:30:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=112536We are pleased to announce the opening of San Francisco’s newest park at 17th and Folsom Streets! The Opening is now set for Friday, June 23rd at 3:30PM. The new name will be … Continue reading →]]>

We are pleased to announce the opening of San Francisco’s newest park at 17th and Folsom Streets! The Opening is now set for Friday, June 23rd at 3:30PM. The new name will be unveiled at the park opening, which goes from 3:30 to 8 p.m. In addition to a name unveiling ceremony, there will be many festive activities offered by members of the community to celebrate the special occasion including a Mayan blessing ceremony, percussion drumming, Aztec Dance, and other live performances throughout the evening. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, please contact Gary McCoy at gary.mccoy@sfgov.org

]]>New Furnishings Coming to Alamo Square, Planting Continueshttp://sfrecpark.org/new-furnishings-coming-to-alamo-square-planting-continues/
Fri, 16 Jun 2017 17:46:55 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=114023New park benches, picnic tables, and dual-stream garbage/recycling cans will be coming to Alamo Square later this summer. Gardeners from the Recreation and Park Department have also continued to beautify the park with new drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly plants.

]]>Mountain Lake Park Playground Grand Reopening on June 8http://sfrecpark.org/event/mount-lake-playground-grand-reopening-on-june-8/
Fri, 09 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=112677Join us for the reopening of Mountain Lake Park on June 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. This $3 million dollar project was funded by the 2012 Clean & Safe Neighborhood Parks … Continue reading →]]>

Join us for the reopening of Mountain Lake Park on June 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. This $3 million dollar project was funded by the 2012 Clean & Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, with generous gifts from the Friends of Mountain Lake Park Playground and the Presidio Trust. There will be a ceremony, nature walk and refreshments from Angelina’s Cafe!

Hilltop Playground will remain open during the repair to the see-saw bumper. The scope of work consists of removing and replacing the bumper and patching the safety surface. Robert A. Bothman (Construction), Community Playgrounds and Robertson Industries (wearing branded safety vests) will perform the repairs throughout the week.

The area of work will be fenced for the week. For your safety, please do not enter the fenced area.

]]>Alamo Square Park is Now Openhttp://sfrecpark.org/alamo-square-park-is-now-open/
Thu, 01 Jun 2017 21:24:43 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=112854Continue reading →]]>Dear Friends of Alamo Square Park, Thank you for your interest in Alamo Square Park. We are very pleased to have re-opened the park after investing $5.3 million in this twelve acre, iconic property. Much of the work we completed, you cannot see. Most significantly, we replaced the park’s 70 year irrigation system that wasted more water than any other park in San Francisco. After completing this irrigation project, we expect to reduce water usage by 2.5 million gallons, leading to a 33% annual water savings. Most of the system is now automated with state of the art technology. It is programmed to run at prescribed intervals and can adjust irrigation run time based on moisture levels in the soil and humidity levels in the air. (Due to the historic design, there are still sections of the park landscape which require hands-on management of manual irrigation systems.) We also added a new booster pump to address poor water pressure in the park.

Some of the work scope completed you can see, use, and enjoy:

New restroom: We added an ADA accessible, all-gender restroom near the playground area.

New pathways: We repaired crumbling park pathways throughout the park.

New trees: In partnership with the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association, we planted over 100 new trees.

New landscape: We have also introduced hundreds of new drought tolerant plantings; new sod; new landscape beds and new no-mow fescue grass on the steepest portions of the hillside around the perimeter of the park.

It is important to understand that this was never funded as a full park renovation project. Rather, it was funded as an irrigation system replacement project that morphed into a significantly broader scope of work because of neighborhood passion, advocacy and philanthropy; the leadership of the Mayor and Supervisor Breed; and the creativity and hard work of RPD staff that squeezed every drop of staff resources and funding flexibility to meet an expanded scope of improvements.

As you’ve noticed, in some areas of the park our renovation work continues. Given the lengthy period of the park’s closure — due to the complexity of the irrigation work and four months of weather related delays — we felt it important to re-open before all of the finishing touches were completed so that people could resume enjoyment of the park. Here’s what’s still to come:

Additional new park benches: Prior to construction, Alamo Square had 21 park benches. During construction, 14 benches were removed to replace the crumbling pathways. Unfortunately, too many of them were too poorly conditioned to be replaced. New benches are being ordered and will be installed in the coming months.

Additional new picnic tables: Prior to construction there were two picnic tables in the park. We have added a third and intend to add two new ones in the coming months.

New trash cans: Prior to construction, the park had a total of fourteen trash cans. Upon completion, the park now has a total of 18 trash cans. Nine of these receptacles are located around the perimeter of the park at every major entrance and exit. There are 3 additional trash cans located inside each restroom and the playground. There are currently six temporary cans located throughout the internal landscape. These six cans will be replaced with state of the art, two-stream cans in the coming months.

Newly resurfaced tennis court: Alamo Square’s tennis court has been selected for resurfacing through a project unrelated to the park’s renovation. It should be completed by September.

Enhanced park landscaping: Four park entrances and two signature landscape beds were freshly planted. Three additional entry beds, one large planter bed and seven understory areas are still in the process of being landscaped, including new youth eco-trails behind the playground. This work should be completed by the end of July.

We deeply appreciate your feedback, your interest and your patience with Alamo Square Park. The renovation we celebrated was indeed significant and well-executed, but most of it you cannot see. We are confident the more visible aspects of this park project will continue to improve as the landscaping matures and as other final elements are added to complete the park. Please enjoy the park and all its magnificent splendor in the interim.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

]]>Alamo Square Reopens on May 24http://sfrecpark.org/event/alamo-square-reopens-on-may-24/
Wed, 24 May 2017 18:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=112433Join us for a celebration event marking the completion of signficiant improvements to this iconic neighborhood park. Funded by the 2008 and 2012 Clean and Safe Neighbhorhood Park bonds as well as … Continue reading →]]>

Join us for a celebration event marking the completion of signficiant improvements to this iconic neighborhood park. Funded by the 2008 and 2012 Clean and Safe Neighbhorhood Park bonds as well as an irrigation improvement grant from the SF Public Utilities Commission. The speaking program begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by family-friendly activities. The event will take place at the Hayes and Pierce Street entrance.

]]>Polo Field Closure from May 1 to June 2017http://sfrecpark.org/polo-field-closure-from-51-to-june-2017/
Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:36:04 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=112182The bleacher area along the southern portion of the Polo Fields will be closed from May 1, 2017 to late June 2017. Bleachers to be replaced with a new lawn area. For more information please contact the project manager Felix Tong at felix.tong@sfgov.org or (415) 831-6844.]]>

The bleacher area along the southern portion of the Polo Fields will be closed from May 1, 2017 to late June 2017. Bleachers to be replaced with a new lawn area.

For more information please contact the project manager Felix Tong at felix.tong@sfgov.org or (415) 831-6844.

I wanted to give an update on George Christopher Playground Improvement Project. After the last community meeting, we heard overwhelming from the community in support of Concept 1a: Village. We also received many requests for including a belt swing set in addition to the tot swing set in the Village layout. By slightly modifying the layout and size of the imagination garden, we were able to keep one of the climb crawl structures and include 2 new belt swings in the school age play area.

We will be sharing images of this layout with you soon and we will be presenting this concept to the Parks and Recreation Commission in June for approval and permission to develop the concept into construction documents. If you would like more information, or would like to write a letter of support, please contact Reem.Assaf@sfgov.org

This year’s Spring Eggstravaganza at Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park on April 15 will feature egg hunts, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, food trucks and the highly anticipated annual Rib Cook-Off between SF Rec and Park, SF Fire, SF Police and other city departments. In addition, Free bike valet provided by SF Bike Coalition at the West entrance of the event, off Bowling Green Drive near Martin Luther King Drive.
Advance tickets are available at the McLaren Lodge Annex (501 Stanyan Street) through

Join SF Rec and Park in celebrating our Mobile Rec Community Day, featuring Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile at Lake Merced (1 Harding Road) on Sunday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a free event that is open to all. Come out that day and participate in a number of unique outdoor activities and enjoy scenic Lake Merced!

Join SF Animal Care & Control, Project Coyote and SF Rec and Park for an informational talk and workshop on coyotes in San Francisco, Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park (1199 Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way).

In addition, we will have a second meeting on Wednesday, April 12 at the Excelsior Clubhouse (579 Madrid Street and Russian Avenue) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

]]>17th & Folsom Community Meetinghttp://sfrecpark.org/event/17th-folsom-community-meeting/
Fri, 24 Mar 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=109177Join us as we provide a brief overview of 17th & Folsom Park, Community Gardens, Naming, and Hours of Operation. The meeting will take place at the Marshall Elementary School Auditorium (1575 … Continue reading →]]>

Join us as we provide a brief overview of 17th & Folsom Park, Community Gardens, Naming, and Hours of Operation. The meeting will take place at the Marshall Elementary School Auditorium (1575 15th Street) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 23.

For more information, please contact Gary McCoy at (415) 831-2749 or by email at gary.mccoy@sfgov.org

]]>Helen Diller Civic Center Playgrounds Groundbreakinghttp://sfrecpark.org/event/helen-diller-civic-center-playgrounds-groundbreaking/
Tue, 14 Feb 2017 19:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=108059Helen Diller Civic Center Playgrounds Groundbreaking Everyone is invited to celebrate the start of construction on these innovative, creative play spaces in the heart of the city. The event will take place … Continue reading →]]>

Everyone is invited to celebrate the start of construction on these innovative, creative play spaces in the heart of the city. The event will take place on Tuesday, February 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza at Larkin and Fulton Streets.

For more information, please contact Alejandra Chiesa from The Trust for Public Land at
alejandra.chiesa@tpl.org or (415) 800-5303

]]>Please join us in selecting a final design for the Merced Heights Playground!http://sfrecpark.org/please-join-us-in-selecting-a-final-design-for-the-merced-heights-playground/
Tue, 10 Jan 2017 18:52:10 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=107807Continue reading →]]>We are holding our third community meeting for the Merced Heights Playground on Tuesday January 31st from 6-7:30pm at the Merced Heights Clubhouse.

We will be presenting the final proposed concepts of the playground and getting community input and will finalize the design using this feedback.

Looking forward to seeing you then!

]]>Sgt. Macaulay Playground Online Surveyhttp://sfrecpark.org/sgt-macaulay-playground-online-survey/
Thu, 22 Dec 2016 23:00:14 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=107225Continue reading →]]>We know that community meetings can be difficult to attend for people with long commutes and childcare needs, so we wanted to provide additional opportunity for people to comment on the playground concept. We have created the below Google Survey which describes the project and the concepts we presented at the meeting. Please feel free to share with neighbors and friends to help us hear more input and insight on the concepts!

]]>Sgt. Macaulay Meeting Presentationhttp://sfrecpark.org/sgt-macaulay-meeting-presentation/
Thu, 22 Dec 2016 22:38:43 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=107223Continue reading →]]>Thank you to those of you who were able to attend the Sgt. Macaulay Community Meeting #3. Please see the attached presentation for the layout concepts we presented.

We are also gathering interest for starting/being a part of a “friends of” group for Sgt. Macaulay and/or Hyde-Turk, if you are interested, please contact:

Reem Assaf (RPD): (415) 575-5653 | reem.assaf@sfgov.org

Philip Vitale (TPL): (415) 800-5279 | philip.vitale@tpl.org

]]>Mother’s Meadow Playground Now Openhttp://sfrecpark.org/mothers-meadow-playground-closure/
Wed, 07 Dec 2016 13:00:46 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=106304Mother’s Meadow Playground has completed its repairs and is now open to the public. Thank you for your patience and enjoy your parks!
]]>Golden Gate Park Traffic Safety Projecthttp://sfrecpark.org/event/golden-gate-park-traffic-safety-project/
Sat, 03 Dec 2016 18:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=106313We want to hear from you! Please join City staff on December 3rd to help establish goals for our efforts to ensure safe access to the park’s amazing destinations, whether you walk, … Continue reading →]]>

We want to hear from you! Please join City staff on December 3rd to help establish goals for our efforts to ensure safe access to the park’s amazing destinations, whether you walk, drive, ride a bike, or take public transportation.

Tell us about how you get around Golden Gate Park and about specific locations where you have felt unsafe or see opportunities for improvement. We will share background about previous Park safety efforts and ongoing challenges, and we will ask you to provide feedback on the City’s priorities for this project. Your input will help RPD and SFMTA develop recommendations to make Golden Gate Park safe for all travelers through the Park; these recommendations will be presented at subsequent public events.

Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco’s greatest treasures, welcoming more than 13 million visitors each year.

In support of Mayor Ed Lee’s recentVision Zero Executive Directive, the goal of the Golden Gate Park Traffic Safety Project is to reduce unsafe vehicle speeds and better manage vehicular through traffic within the park. San Francisco’s Recreation and Park Department (RPD) and the Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) are partnering to ensure that the roads in Golden Gate Park best serve our visitors, San Francisco residents, and park neighbors.

Mayor’s Executive Directive

In June 2016, JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park was the site of a traffic fatality, when Heather Miller was hit by a speeding car while riding her bicycle near 30th Avenue. Following this tragedy and others on San Francisco’s roads, Mayor Ed Lee issued anExecutive Directive on Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety on August 4, 2016. Mayor Lee’s Executive Directive orders all City departments to improve City streets and the citywide bike network with a key focus on a number of areas, including:

deliver near-term safety improvements to reduce speeds and vehicular through­ traffic on JFK Drive in the next six months;

initiate study of expanded traffic calming and traffic restrictions in Golden Gate Park within the next three months.

Vision Zero

Every year, 30 people are killed and 200 more are seriously injured while travelling on city streets. As a county, San Francisco ranks among the highest (worst) for traffic deaths and injuries in California. These deaths and injuries are unacceptable and preventable, and San Francisco is committed to eliminating them.

By adopting a policy called Vision Zero in 2014, the City and County of San Francisco is committed to building better and safer streets, educating the public on traffic safety, enforcing traffic laws, and prioritizing resources to implement effective initiatives that save lives. Vision Zero aims to eliminate all traffic deaths in San Francisco.

The SFMTA and RPD are committed to Vision Zero and this project will support the Citywide goal by improving traffic safety in Golden Gate Park.

Planning for Safety Improvements

This fall, the SFMTA and RPD want to hear from you to help us identify opportunities and priorities as we develop recommendations to make Golden Gate Park safe for all travelers through the Park.

We aim to work with the community to identify solutions that reduce speeds and better manage vehicular traffic. We have begun to collect data on how the park is used and where traffic collisions are currently taking place, and we will hold a series of community events to first gather feedback on existing conditions and then vet potential solutions.

The first community open house will be held on December 3, 2016 at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

Early Implementation – Speed Humps

In October and November of 2016, nine speed humps and one raised crosswalk will be installed to reduce speeding on John F. Kennedy Drive from Transverse Drive to the Great Highway. Research has shown that lowering speeds – from 40 mph to 20 mph, for example – dramatically improves the likelihood someone will survive a collision. If you’re hit by car going 20 mph, you have a 90 percent chance of survival. Our study of travel behavior along JFK show that drivers are typically going 7 to 9 MPH above the speed limit by day, and even faster at night. Speed humps are proven to be effective at reducing vehicle speeds, with the SFMTA finding that they can reduce the number of vehicles traveling 35 – 40 MPH by over 70 percent.

JFK Drive is on the city’sVision Zero High Injury Network for people on bikes or walking, the 12 percent of city streets that account for 70 percent of severe and fatal traffic injuries.

Join Supervisor Scott Wiener, residents for Noe Valley Town Square, and SF Rec and Park for a grand opening celebration of San Francisco’s newest park.

]]>Merced Heights Community Meeting Summary and Survey!http://sfrecpark.org/merced-heights-community-meeting-summary-and-survey/
Fri, 14 Oct 2016 17:05:03 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=106040Continue reading →]]>Thank you for all who attended the Merced Heights Playground Renovation meeting. We really enjoyed hearing your input on the new playground and are very excited to move forward with this project.

We know that community meetings can be difficult to attend for people with long commutes and childcare needs, so we wanted to provide additional opportunity for people to comment on the playground concept. We have created the below Google Survey which describes the project and the concepts we presented at the meeting. Please feel free to share with neighbors and friends to help us hear more input and insight on the concepts! Please respond quickly as we are only taking responses through Monday, October 31st!

We look forward to working with you more and moving towards our final concept, later this year!

]]>Free Warriors Viewing Party at Civic Centerhttp://sfrecpark.org/event/free-warriors-viewing-party-at-civic-center/
Sat, 11 Jun 2016 01:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=104698The City will host a free viewing party for basketball fans at Civic Center this Friday, June 10, at 6 p.m., when the Golden State Warriors take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in … Continue reading →]]>

The City will host a free viewing party for basketball fans at Civic Center this Friday, June 10, at 6 p.m., when the Golden State Warriors take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the NBA Finals. Presented by Mayor Ed Lee, SF Recreation and Parks, and Another Planet Entertainment, with support from Recology and the SF Parks Alliance, the game will be broadcast live on a jumbo screen with City Hall as the backdrop. Off the Grid food trucks and basketball-themed youth activities will also be available.

This Friday, bring the family out and join the City in rooting on our Dubs!

This is a family-friendly event; no alcohol is allowed. Public transportation is encouraged. Civic Center is located at Polk Street between Grove and McAllister.

Please join us for a celebratory ribbon cutting, with a wide variety of recreation such as SF Rec & Park’s climbing wall, sports & games, and other youth activities.

The $1.8 million renovation, made possible by the 2012 Clean & Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, encourages play for all ages through the large play structure, a tot play area, outdoor fitness stations, and a new picnic area. The project also renovated associated infrastructure including, lighting, pathways to the play area, and the clubhouse restrooms for wheelchair accessibility.

]]>A Legacy of Servicehttp://sfrecpark.org/a-legacy-of-service/
Wed, 20 Apr 2016 21:30:28 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=103623Remembering the 1906 Earthquake and Fire How City Employees and the Park Aid Station Helped San Francisco in its Hour of Need By Ryan Kelly This past Monday, April 18, marked the 110th anniversary of the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, which destroyed 28,000 buildings and instantly displaced 250,000 city … Continue reading →]]>

Remembering the 1906 Earthquake and FireHow City Employees and the Park Aid Station Helped San Francisco in its Hour of Need

By Ryan Kelly

This past Monday, April 18, marked the 110th anniversary of the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, which destroyed 28,000 buildings and instantly displaced 250,000 city residents from their homes. San Francisco parks and park employees were key in sheltering the victims of the disaster and starting the city on its long road to recovery, but one little unassuming building at the east end of Golden Gate Park played a huge role in the immediate hours after the quake.

Many buildings in the park were damaged by the earthquake, including McLaren Lodge, the Sharon Building, the de Young Museum, and the modern day Park Aid Station located on Stanyan Street, which was then known as the Park Emergency Hospital.

The stone hospital structure was built in 1902 as a collaboration between the Parks Commission and Board of Health that oversaw the city’s public health services. The population in the western part of the city was growing and it was meant to serve the whole region, not just the park. The structure cost around $9,000 to build, with the Park Commission providing $3,000 along with labor from park employees.

The emergency hospital served the western settlements of the city until that fateful day on the third Wednesday of April in 1906, at 5:13 a.m. During the initial quake, the Park Emergency Hospital partially collapsed, disabling the facility. Luckily, none of the staff was seriously injured, and they salvaged supplies from the building and moved their hospital to the park tunnel at Haight and Stanyan.

As the city’s clinic near City Hall had to be abandoned because of fire, the number of victims from the earthquake began to swell at the makeshift hospital in the park. Medical professionals and volunteers from all over the city swarmed to the park, where they worked with park staff to serve the injured and eventually set up an additional ten triage tents around the collapsed clinic. Park employees and other volunteers built a water cauldron to purify the city’s tainted drinking water for the park’s refugees, using stones from the collapsed chimneys of McLaren lodge.

In the city’s darkest hour, fires that erupted in the wake of the earthquake turned night to day in the park, raining ashes over the area. Food, water, and other critical supplies dwindled while the city burned and the number of refugees grew. However, staff and volunteers from the city’s public health and its park services were joined together to serve those in need. Lucy Fisher, a nurse who worked in the park, later remembered:

Near the Haight Street entrance we found the nucleus of a hospital in the midst of beautiful foliage and sweet-scented shrubbery. I believe it was the trees, the sound of bird notes at dawn, and the odor of fruit blossoms that saved us from insanity those terrible nights that we worked there.

Parks around the city served as makeshift camps in the ensuing months after the quake, with Golden Gate Park becoming the city’s largest, sheltering an estimated 40,000 people at its peak.

The shelter of our parks, and the dedication of city employees and citizen volunteers, nursed San Francisco back to health. Today, the former Park Emergency Hospital is known as the Park Aid Station, rebuilt from the stones of a collapsed mansion donated by its owner. It now houses the Department’s Natural Areas and Volunteer Programs, a continuing example of how city employees and volunteers work together to serve our city.

]]>INTRUDE Art Installation at Civic Centerhttp://sfrecpark.org/event/intrude-art-installation-at-civic-center/
Wed, 06 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=102234Five inflated and illuminated rabbits are coming to Civic Center Plaza, and we’re celebrating with a free party at sunset. On Tuesday, April 5, from 5pm-9pm, there will be a selection of … Continue reading →]]>

Five inflated and illuminated rabbits are coming to Civic Center Plaza, and we’re celebrating with a free party at sunset. On Tuesday, April 5, from 5pm-9pm, there will be a selection of Off the Grid food trucks, a beer & wine garden, and music to dance to, courtesy of Gary Paradise (DJ Set), for all to enjoy amid the glowing rabbits. Presented by the San Francisco Arts Commission, INTRUDE is a large-scale public artwork by Tasmaninan artist Amanda Parer that will be available to all San Francisco residents and visitors to enjoy 24 hours, 7 days a week beginning April 4th through April 25th, 2016. All ages are welcomed. #partywiththerabbits

This presentation is made possible by the Office of the Mayor, the Recreation and Park Department, the Department of Public Works and private contributions from MJM Management and Another Planet Entertainment. Special thanks to Zaragunda, Inc. and the Civic Center Community Benefit District.

]]>Happy Birthday, Golden Gate Park!http://sfrecpark.org/happy-birthday-golden-gate-park/
Mon, 04 Apr 2016 13:03:09 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=102252Our beloved Golden Gate Park turned 146 on April 4! Stop by the Conservatory of Flowers, the Botanical Garden or the Japanese Tea Garden, or simply grab a sandwich and a picnic blanket, and (re)discover the beauty of this 1,017-acre urban oasis. ]]>

Our beloved Golden Gate Park turned 146 on April 4! Stop by the Conservatory of Flowers, the Botanical Garden or the Japanese Tea Garden, or simply grab a sandwich and a picnic blanket, and (re)discover the beauty of this 1,017-acre urban oasis.

]]>UPDATE: Timeline and Scope of Workhttp://sfrecpark.org/update-timeline-and-scope-of-work/
Tue, 02 Feb 2016 18:55:24 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=100684Continue reading →]]>Alamo Square Park will undergo a $4.3 million renovation to update the irrigation system, build an ADA-accessible restroom, and landscape the entirety of the park. The outcome of the project will result in water savings through improved irrigation design, the installation of “smart” controllers, and the planting of lawn alternatives, including no-mow grasses that are native to the western U.S. An estimated 3,260,000 gallons of water per year (37%) is expected in water savings after completion. The project is funded by both the 2008 and 2012 Clean & Safe Neighborhood Parks Bonds, as well as a $1.6 million grant from the SF Public Utilities Commission. A contract will be awarded later this month with construction anticipated to begin in late April or early May – at which time, the entirety of the park will close. The project is expected to take seven months with an estimated completion in winter 2016-2017.
]]>UPDATE: Alamo Square Restroom and Irrigation Projecthttp://sfrecpark.org/update-alamo-square-restroom-and-irrigation-project/
Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:38:31 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=99144Continue reading →]]>The Recreation and Park Dept. received 5 bids in mid-December for the Alamo Square Restroom and Irrigation Project. The lowest 2 bids are within the City’s construction budget. Currently the City is reviewing the bids for qualifications and anticipates making a recommendation for contract award in February. Construction is anticipated to begin as early as April 2016. Alamo Square will be closed to the public, and reopen in Winter 2016/17 to expedite completion of the improvements, which includes new irrigation, no-mow grass along the park perimeter, soil preparation for new plantings, and new restroom.

The Recreation and Park Dept. is striving to minimize the impact of the park closure by working closely with the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association (ASNA) and the tourism bureau to outreach to park users, neighbors and visitors on the upcoming closure.

This project is made possible through the voter-approved Restroom Program of the 2008 Park Bond, the Water Conservation Program of the 2012 Park Bond, and in particular the SFPUC Large Landscape Retrofit Grant.

For more information, please feel free to contact Marvin Yee, Project Manager, at (415) 581-2541, or at Marvin.Yee@sfgov.org.

]]>Victoria Manalo Draves Plaque Unveilinghttp://sfrecpark.org/event/victoria-manalo-draves-plaque-unveiling/
Sat, 10 Oct 2015 17:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/Join the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), in partnership with city agencies and organizations, for a special plaque unveiling on October 10, at 10 a.m., in honor of Olympic heroine … Continue reading →]]>

Join the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), in partnership with city agencies and organizations, for a special plaque unveiling on October 10, at 10 a.m., in honor of Olympic heroine Victoria Manalo Draves. Manalo Draves was the first American woman to win two gold medals for diving. Born in the South of Market area, Ms. Manalo Draves attended school on the same site that would become the neighborhood park named in her honor in 2006. The plaque ceremony on October 10 will be held at Victoria Manalo Draves Park, located at Folsom and Sixth Street. For more information, click here.

]]>Noe Valley Civic Design Review CANCELLEDhttp://sfrecpark.org/noe-valley-civic-design-review-cancelled/
Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:22:19 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=96224Continue reading →]]>This afternoon’s Phase 1 Civic Design Review hearing has been cancelled by the San Francisco Arts Commission due to lack of quorum. We anticipate that this hearing will be rescheduled to 3 pm on either this Thursday or this Friday. Please stay tuned as we will update this project page as soon as reschedule is confirmed.
]]>National Day of Unplugginghttp://sfrecpark.org/national-day-of-unplugging/
Wed, 04 Mar 2015 20:01:58 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=83494Join the SF Recreation and Park Department in celebration of Reboot’s National Day of Unplugging (NDU), sundown to sundown, March 6-7. Get out and play with SF Rec. & Park for fun unplugging activities throughout the day, including volunteer cleanup days, community events, free trail walks, Zumba classes and Mobile … Continue reading →]]>

Join the SF Recreation and Park Department in celebration of Reboot’s National Day of Unplugging (NDU), sundown to sundown, March 6-7.

Get out and play with SF Rec. & Park for fun unplugging activities throughout the day, including volunteer cleanup days, community events, free trail walks, Zumba classes and Mobile Rec.

Reboot’s National Day of Unplugging is once a year but it is designed to remind us of the importance of unplugging from our devices (phones, tablets, computers, etc.) regularly at times throughout the year to refocus our attention on the world around us and reconnect with family, friends and ourselves.

Rec and Park’s unplugged activities are in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District and the San Francisco Children, Youth and Their Families.

Join us at our upcoming public meeting on the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s 2015-16 budget process– Monday, February 9, at Hamilton Recreation Center (1900 Geary Boulevard), from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Get up-to-date information on our budget, the city’s budget process, and share your own budget priorities and ideas.

Also, get a sneak peek at our Department’s new Strategic Plan! Find out what our staff is doing behind the scenes to help guide the department over the next several years.

]]>SoMa West Skatepark Closure on 1/31http://sfrecpark.org/soma-west-skatepark-closure-on-131/
Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:01:01 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=82725Due to the misuse of the site and defacing of park property, SoMa West Skatepark will be closed temporarily on Saturday, January 31, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. SF Public Works, along with Rec and Park, will be organizing a volunteer cleaning team to remove some graffiti as … Continue reading →]]>

Due to the misuse of the site and defacing of park property, SoMa West Skatepark will be closed temporarily on Saturday, January 31, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. SF Public Works, along with Rec and Park, will be organizing a volunteer cleaning team to remove some graffiti as well as restore other areas of the park.

]]>Community Opportunity Fund Encourages Park Lovers to Improve Their Local Parkshttp://sfrecpark.org/community-opportunity-fund-encourages-park-lovers-to-improve-their-local-parks/
Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:01:27 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=78800Are you a group or individual with an idea for how to improve your neighborhood park? Apply for a Community Opportunity Fund (COF) project and help make a difference in your community. As part of the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, the Department’s COF program is a $6 … Continue reading →]]>

Are you a group or individual with an idea for how to improve your neighborhood park? Apply for a Community Opportunity Fund (COF) project and help make a difference in your community.

As part of the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, the Department’s COF program is a $6 million capital program that encourages residents, neighborhood groups and park advocates to propose capital projects that will improve their local parks, e.g., the installation or replacement of playgrounds, paths, benches, drinking fountains or sports courts.

HOW DO I APPLY? Attend any of these upcoming mandatory applicant workshops to find out how to get started:

You can find more information on the COF program and workshop materials here, or email our project manager at Karen.Mauney-Brodek@sfgov.org. Please note: Round Four applicants may not need to attend one of these upcoming workshops. Please follow up with Karen Mauney-Brodek to confirm.

Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor Mark Farrell and other city officials, including the Department of Technology’s Miguel A. Gamiño; city administrator Naomi Kelly; Supervisor Jane Kim; and Rec and Park GM Phil Ginsburg, were on hand at Tenderloin Recreation Center on October 1 to launch free Wi-Fi connectivity in 32 city parks. The Wi-Fi in Parks project was made possible through the city’s partnership with Google and the San Francisco Citizens Initiative for Technology and Innovation (sf.citi).

Whether you’re working away from the office, tweeting about a special event, or looking up the location of the nearest playground with your handy Rec and Park iPhone app, technology is changing the way we work, play and communicate in our parks.

The addition of Wi-Fi in our parks allows people more and better connectivity to keep tabs on their busy lives while enjoying the serenity of their local park, and will allow park users to more easily access information about their parks, register for programs or sign up to volunteer at their local park.

]]>Saturday in the Park Free Concert Series: McLaren Parkhttp://sfrecpark.org/event/saturday-in-the-park-concert-series-mclaren-park-3/
Sat, 04 Oct 2014 20:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=76127The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied music genres from August 9 to October 11, 2014. Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade … Continue reading →]]>

The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied musicgenres from August 9 to October 11, 2014.

Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade trees, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre creates an intimate, friendly setting, allowing for the talents of these artists to truly shine. Concert goers can enjoy bringing the family and a picnic lunch, away from the “hustle and bustle,” for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. All concerts start at 1 pm.

October 4: Singer/Songwriter Acoustic Show- a tribute to Pete Seeger with songs and music by Karney, Rocker T, Katie Garibaldi, Ray Vaughn, The Devil’s Chord, and Pete Kronowitt

]]>Saturday in the Park Free Concert Series: McLaren Parkhttp://sfrecpark.org/event/saturday-in-the-park-concert-series-mclaren-park-2/
Sat, 27 Sep 2014 20:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=76125The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied music genres from August 9 to October 11, 2014. Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade … Continue reading →]]>

The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied musicgenres from August 9 to October 11, 2014.

Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade trees, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre creates an intimate, friendly setting, allowing for the talents of these artists to truly shine. Concert goers can enjoy bringing the family and a picnic lunch, away from the “hustle and bustle,” for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. All concerts start at 1 pm.

September 27: Charity and the JAMBand- a high-energy, fun, children’s sing-along and dance concert

The Minnie & Lovie Recreation Center Athletic Field is reopening on Sunday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (official Ceremony at noon). This multi-purpose athletic field will host a variety of sports including: soccer, football, softball, baseball, lacrosse, volleyball and general sports play. This field renovation is part of the Playfields Initiative, a project of San Francisco Recreation and Parks and the City Fields Foundation to provide safe, accessible athletic fields for every local child who wants to play sports.

For info on volunteering, email volunteer@hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.For general questions, email questions@hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.

]]>Teens, Join the Rec and Park Team!http://sfrecpark.org/teens-join-the-rec-and-park-team/
Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:18:52 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=78259Teens, looking for an after school job this year? Work in our parks, recreation centers, or offices. Learn new skills, meet people, and make some money at the same time! Applications for school-year 9910 Public Service Trainee-Workreation Program positions will open online at www.jobaps.com/sf starting on Monday, August 25 at … Continue reading →]]>

Teens, looking for an after school job this year? Work in our parks, recreation centers, or offices. Learn new skills, meet people, and make some money at the same time!

Applications for school-year 9910 Public Service Trainee-Workreation Program positions will open online at www.jobaps.com/sf starting on Monday, August 25 at 9 a.m. through Friday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m.

Online Applications are only accepted via www.jobaps.com/sf(available under 9910 Public Service Trainee. Note: there are other 9910 Public Service Trainee positions from other agencies/departments, so please make sure to check that the application you select indicates “RECREATION AND PARKS”

Ages 14 through 17 year olds; can be 18 years old, but would still need to be enrolled in high school

]]>Saturday in the Park Free Concert Series: McLaren Parkhttp://sfrecpark.org/event/saturday-in-the-park-concert-series-mclaren-park/
Sat, 23 Aug 2014 20:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=76120The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied music genres from August 9 to October 11, 2014. Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade … Continue reading →]]>

The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied musicgenres from August 9 to October 11, 2014.

Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade trees, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre creates an intimate, friendly setting, allowing for the talents of these artists to truly shine. Concert goers can enjoy bringing the family and a picnic lunch, away from the “hustle and bustle,” for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. All concerts start at 1 pm.

The Failing Playgrounds Task Force, will identify criteria for failing playgrounds and make recommendations to the Recreation and Park Commission on childrens’ play areas that are priorities for renovation in accordance with the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.

Public comments are encouraged; we hope you can attend and participate in the Task Force discussion.

Please note:This meeting will take place in room 278 not room 416 at City Hall.

The Failing Playgrounds Task Force, will identify criteria for failing playgrounds and make recommendations to the Recreation and Park Commission on childrens’ play areas that are priorities for renovation in accordance with the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.

Public comments are encouraged; we hope you can attend and participate in the Task Force discussion.

Please note:This meeting will take place in room 278 not room 416 at City Hall.

The Failing Playgrounds Task Force, will identify criteria for failing playgrounds and make recommendations to the Recreation and Park Commission on childrens’ play areas that are priorities for renovation in accordance with the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.

Public comments are encouraged; we hope you can attend and participate in the Task Force discussion.

Please note:This meeting will take place in room 278 not room 416 at City Hall.

I wanted to provide an update on the tennis courts at Glen Canyon. It has come to our attention that the slope of the courts are not in line with current USTA recommendations.

Rec and Parks has worked with the design and construction management staff at the Department of Public Works to develop a plan to re-grade the courts to meet the USTA recommendations over the next few months.

The Rec & Park Commission will review this proposal in June. Please check here for updates and more information:

]]>2012 Bond – Failing Playgrounds Task Force Meetinghttp://sfrecpark.org/event/2012-bond-failing-playgrounds-task-force-meeting/
Wed, 28 May 2014 01:30:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=74121The Failing Playgrounds Task Force, will identify criteria for failing playgrounds and make recommendations to the Recreation and Park Commission on childrens’ play areas that are priorities for renovation in accordance with … Continue reading →]]>

The Failing Playgrounds Task Force, will identify criteria for failing playgrounds and make recommendations to the Recreation and Park Commission on childrens’ play areas that are priorities for renovation in accordance with the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.

Public comments are encouraged; we hope you can attend and participate in the Task Force discussion.

Please note:This meeting will take place in room 278 not room 416 at City Hall.

]]>2012 Bond Failing Playgrounds Task Force – Playground Tourhttp://sfrecpark.org/event/2012-bond-failing-playgrounds-task-force-playground-tour/
Sun, 18 May 2014 16:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=74117The Failing Playgrounds Task Force, will identify criteria for failing playgrounds and make recommendations to the Recreation and Park Commission on childrens’ play areas that are priorities for renovation in accordance with … Continue reading →]]>

The Failing Playgrounds Task Force, will identify criteria for failing playgrounds and make recommendations to the Recreation and Park Commission on childrens’ play areas that are priorities for renovation in accordance with the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.

This meeting of the Task Force will focus on a tour of Playgrounds and is intended to give the Task Force members a sense of the current conditions, before and after renovations have been completed.

The tour will begin at Hayes Valley Playground Clubhouse we hope you can join us at this or one of the upcoming meetings.

]]>Mission Dolores Park Construction is Now Underwayhttp://sfrecpark.org/mission-dolores-park-construction-is-now-underway/
Tue, 25 Mar 2014 20:10:46 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=67969Have you stopped by Dolores Park lately and wondered what all of the activity was? Here are a few pictures that show all of the top soil being removed, in order to replace the old irrigation and to correct the grade, so the lawn area will drain properly. Above is … Continue reading →]]>

Have you stopped by Dolores Park lately and wondered what all of the activity was? Here are a few pictures that show all of the top soil being removed, in order to replace the old irrigation and to correct the grade, so the lawn area will drain properly.

Above is what the view from Dolores Street looks like, go see for yourself and than check out one of the 219 other Parks around the City.

Here is another view, showing the preparation for grading and irrigation replacement.

Please help us keep Dolores clean and “Pack it in, Pack it out.”

]]>Urban Ag and Rec and Park Featured in SFGovTV QuickBiteshttp://sfrecpark.org/urban-ag-and-rec-and-park-featured-in-sfgovtv-quickbites/
Mon, 24 Mar 2014 21:52:14 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=67885Continue reading →]]>Potrero del Sol Community Garden, the Free Farm Stand at Treat Commons Community Garden and Rec and Park’s Community Gardens Program and Urban Agriculture Program were featured this past week on SFGov TV’s “QuickBites” program, along with a piece on DPW’s Gleaning Program. Please see below for a quick and fun video!
]]>COIT TOWER REHAB PROJECT – MORE PROGRESShttp://sfrecpark.org/coit-tower-rehab-project-more-progress/
Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:32:43 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=67713Work on Coit Tower continues as we are getting closer to re-opening. Repair to exterior concrete and stucco, restoration of doors and windows and improvements to the buildings electrical system are nearing completion. The image above is of scaffolding at the Lantern Level for repairs to concrete and stucco as … Continue reading →]]>

Work on Coit Tower continues as we are getting closer to re-opening. Repair to exterior concrete and stucco, restoration of doors and windows and improvements to the buildings electrical system are nearing completion.

The image above is of scaffolding at the Lantern Level for repairs to concrete and stucco as well as installation of new copper scuppers. These repairs will help protect the building for years to come.

The image above is of cleaning and installation of waterproofing at the stairs leading to the Lantern level observation deck. Slip resistant stair treads will also provide improved safety.

The image above is of a conservator working on one of the murals in the ground floor gallery. The mural conservation process may continue after the building is re-opened, depending on the progress of the work, and will leave the murals in the best condition that they have been in for the past 30 years.

The image above is of the recently restored doors leading to the elevator lobby in the ground floor gallery. The doors are part of the overall historic building fabric that is being addressed and will result in an enhanced visitor experience.

]]>Huffington Post: Ginsburg Brings His Green Heart to SFhttp://sfrecpark.org/huffington-post-phil-ginsburg-brings-his-green-heart-to-sf/
Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:36:16 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=67070By Adrian Benepe, Senior Vice President and Director of City Park Development for The Trust for Public Land A recent issue of New York Magazine includes a long story comparing New York City and San Francisco, asking “Is San Francisco New York?” While the piece focused on high tech business … Continue reading →]]>

By Adrian Benepe, Senior Vice President and Director of City Park Development for The Trust for Public Land

A recent issue of New York Magazine includes a long story comparing New York City and San Francisco, asking “Is San Francisco New York?” While the piece focused on high tech business and real estate, a more interesting comparison might have been between the cities’ park systems. Though a surface comparison seems unfair — New York’s park system is seven times larger — a closer look shows that San Francisco’s parks stand up very well to New York’s. In fact, San Francisco may be a national leader among cities for its innovative management and ambitious plans.

The leadership for San Francisco’s Recreation & Parks Department is provided by General Manager Phil Ginsburg, a youthful and athletic transplant from the East Coast who went west in 1990, a few months after the Loma Prieta earthquake rocked the area during the World Series. Ginsburg, now 47, has worked both energetically and creatively, first under Mayor Gavin Newsom and then Edwin Lee, Newsom’s successor. Ginsburg has led the city to having one of the nation’s top five park systems (according to The Trust for Public Land’s 2013 ParkScore). He has used creative management and innovative public-private partnerships to leverage large amounts of public money approved by voters to both build new parks and improve those which already exist.

Ginsburg seems to have been born to the job. He grew up Merion, Pa., a Main Line suburb of Philadelphia.

“After school or after dinner, you went to the parks,” he recalled recently. “Your parents didn’t know or didn’t care where you were.” His main sports were baseball and soccer, and he continued to play them when he went north to Dartmouth College, on the banks of the Connecticut River in New Hampshire. On the picturesque Dartmouth campus, almost in the shadows of a suite of White Mountains — Smarts, Cube, Holt’s Ledge and Moosilauke — Ginsburg discovered another great love: the outdoors and related recreational sports.

]]>Saving Water in Our City Parkshttp://sfrecpark.org/saving-water-in-our-city-parks/
Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:50:36 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=66232Maintaining beautiful, green park spaces in drought conditions is no simple task, and as an agency that stewards over 4,000 acres of public park land and as one of the largest water users in the city, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department takes its responsibility to conserve water seriously. … Continue reading →]]>

Maintaining beautiful, green park spaces in drought conditions is no simple task, and as an agency that stewards over 4,000 acres of public park land and as one of the largest water users in the city, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department takes its responsibility to conserve water seriously.

Since 2008, our department has achieved an 18 percent reduction in water usage in a concerted effort to conserve our precious resources.

Perhaps one of our Department’s most notable efforts to save water in our parks is tied to our Significant Natural Areas Management Plan, which outlines strategic management practices for natural resource protection, habitat restoration, trail and access improvements, capital projects and maintenance in 32 designated areas in our system. By restoring these areas to their native state and protecting biodiversity in these 1,100 acres, the need for irrigation and landscaping is significantly reduced.

Grants from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission have allowed us to improve our irrigation infrastructure at Jefferson Square, Alta Plaza and Balboa Park, saving an estimated 5.2 million gallons of water per year.

Monies from the voter-approved 2008 and 2012 neighborhood parks bonds have funded upgrades to playground irrigation and drainage systems that have significantly reduced our water usage—check out the new bio-retention pond at Cayuga Playground that captures storm water overflow or the new living roof at Hayes Valley Playground.

We’ve also introduced more permeable paving and drought-resistant landscaping in our parks, and our use of synthetic turf in the renovation of several city sports fields has allowed us to drastically reduce the need for water in their upkeep (while at the same time adding 75,000 hours of additional playtime capacity).

Our move to the use of recycled water at TPC Harding Park Golf Course and Sharp Park Golf Course has also resulted in significant water savings.

Doing More

As of February 3, 2014, the Department has instituted measures to reduce water consumption by an additional 10 percent to meet the City’s goals.Here’s how we’re doing that:

1) Reducing our irrigation operating times by 10 percent

2) Turning off recreational water features that do not have closed water recirculation systems at:

-Mission Playground

-24th & York Mini-Park

-Julius Kahn Playground

-Lafayette Park

-Golden Gate Park Koret Children’s Quarter

3) Reducing the running time of decorative fountains and landscape water features at:

-Golden Gate Park Music Concourse

-Vaillancourt Fountain at Embarcadero Plaza

-Huntington Park

-Kidpower Park

-Potrero del Sol

4) Prioritizing water loss repairs

5) Immediately shutting down irrigation systems that have been vandalized or that are inoperable until repairs can be made

6) Reducing our water usage by 10 percent at recreation and aquatic facilities

7) Refraining from washing vehicles and equipment

Here’s How You Can Help:

Help conserve water in our parks by not leaving water running, playing with water, or over-flushing.

Notify us immediately by calling 3-1-1 if you see leaking water or wayward sprinklers.

Bring hand sanitizer to our parks when possible.

]]>Gilman Playground Renovation Community Meeting #3http://sfrecpark.org/event/gilman-playground-renovation-community-meeting-3/
Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=64659The Recreation and Park Department invites you to attend the final community meeting on the renovation of the Gilman Playground children’s play area. Gilman Playground is located on Bill Walsh Way at … Continue reading →]]>

The Recreation and Park Department invites you to attend the final community meeting on the renovation of the Gilman Playground children’s play area. Gilman Playground is located on Bill Walsh Way at Gilman Ave. Everyone is invited to attend! Tell your friends and neighbors!

]]>Hilltop Park Renovation – Community Meetinghttp://sfrecpark.org/event/hilltop-park-renovation-community-meeting/
Fri, 24 Jan 2014 02:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=59539Two years ago, the Bayview community came together to design a concept plan for Hilltop Park. Now, with funding, the park renovation is going to be a reality! Join us for the … Continue reading →]]>

Two years ago, the Bayview community came together to design a concept
plan for Hilltop Park. Now, with funding, the park renovation is going to
be a reality!

Join us for the kick off meeting to learn about the project and how you can
be involved in this excellent community park!

All ages welcome
Refreshments served

]]>Coit Tower Rehab Project – Progresshttp://sfrecpark.org/coit-tower-rehab-project-progress/
Sat, 18 Jan 2014 00:25:19 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=59689The above image is of the tower getting prepped, by power-washing, for concrete and stucco repair. Color-matching of Historic door and window paint colors is happening along with the Art Commission survey for mural restoration. Modification to internal and external hand-rails is being completed to improve accessibility. Repair to building … Continue reading →]]>

The above image is of the tower getting prepped, by power-washing, for concrete and stucco repair. Color-matching of Historic door and window paint colors is happening along with the Art Commission survey for mural restoration.

Modification to internal and external hand-rails is being completed to improve accessibility.

Repair to building exterior concrete and stucco is also taking place.

]]>Community Opportunity Fund Informational Meeting #5!http://sfrecpark.org/event/community-opportunity-fund-informational-meeting-5/
Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=58241Through our Community Opportunity Fund Program, part of the 2012 San Francisco Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks General Obligation Bond, we are giving neighborhoods, community groups, and park enthusiasts an opportunity to make a … Continue reading →]]>

Through our Community Opportunity Fund Program, part of the 2012 San Francisco Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks General Obligation Bond, we are giving neighborhoods, community groups, and park enthusiasts an opportunity to make a real difference at their favorite local city parks. Groups have an opportunity to apply for funding of small projects via this program; this meeting is to answer questions about the process and qualifications.

]]>Community Opportunity Fund Informational Meeting #4!http://sfrecpark.org/event/community-opportunity-fund-informational-meeting-4/
Fri, 06 Dec 2013 02:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=58235Through our Community Opportunity Fund Program, part of the 2012 San Francisco Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks General Obligation Bond, we are giving neighborhoods, community groups, and park enthusiasts an opportunity to make a … Continue reading →]]>

Through our Community Opportunity Fund Program, part of the 2012 San Francisco Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks General Obligation Bond, we are giving neighborhoods, community groups, and park enthusiasts an opportunity to make a real difference at their favorite local city parks. Groups have an opportunity to apply for funding of small projects via this program and this meeting is to answer questions about the process and qualifications.

]]>West Sunset Renovation (2012 Bond) Project Updatehttp://sfrecpark.org/west-sunset-renovation-2012-bond-project-update/
Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:42:46 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=58545Continue reading →]]>Thank you all for joining us at last nights meeting. We are so glad to see so many community members participating in the process and hope you continue to give us feedback. Please see the main project page for last nights PowerPoint Presentation and let us know if you have any comments or questions. We will hold another meeting, which will go over more in depth design of the space, after the Holiday’s.
]]>West Sunset Playground Improvement Project – Community Meeting#2http://sfrecpark.org/event/west-sunset-playground-improvement-project-community-meeting2/
Thu, 21 Nov 2013 03:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=58242W e s t S u n s e t P l a y g r o u n d P a r k I m p r o v e m … Continue reading →]]>

2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Project

The Recreation and Park Department invites you to attend the second planning meeting to discuss upcoming capital improvements for this park facility, specifically addressing field and athletic court improvements, and site accessibility. We will be presenting a draft concept plan which will show the proposed improvements for your review and feedback.

]]>Community Opportunity Fund Informational Meeting #3!http://sfrecpark.org/event/community-opportunity-fund-informational-meeting-3/
Thu, 21 Nov 2013 02:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=58237Through our Community Opportunity Fund Program, part of the 2012 San Francisco Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks General Obligation Bond, we are giving neighborhoods, community groups, and park enthusiasts an opportunity to make a … Continue reading →]]>

Through our Community Opportunity Fund Program, part of the 2012 San Francisco Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks General Obligation Bond, we are giving neighborhoods, community groups, and park enthusiasts an opportunity to make a real difference at their favorite local city parks. Groups have an opportunity to apply for funding of small projects via this program; this meeting is to answer questions about the process and qualifications.

I know many of you are eager for an update. The Glen Canyon Playground and Tennis Court Project is really moving along, if you see the park now, you will see that the new tennis courts are in place, and the new playgrounds are emerging. Over the next several weeks you will see the remaining pathways installed, the play equipment and slide and the new planting!

Additionally, you will also see the new waterline work in progress along Diamond Heights Blvd and around the steps at Elk Street. At times, the path along the guardrail on Diamond Heights and the entrance – the steps from Elk Street – might be impacted due to the utility work. Most days, they will be able to finish work and allow for access after 4:30pm. We apologize for the inconvenience. The entrance behind the backstop on Elk and the Bosworth entrance are expected to remain open throughout the remainder of the project.

Simultaneously, we will be working to improve the new sidewalk and build the new drop off at Elk street, so over the final phase of the project, a portion of Elk Street’s sidewalk on the west side will be closed in front of the construction area at times to allow for this work. The east side of Elk Street’s sidewalk will remain open.

As you may know, in the course of the construction, we have encountered some unanticipated complications. We encountered some site conditions that delayed the work including unanticipated utility work, including the installation of a new water line. At this time we expect the Rec Center work to be completed in late November or early December, allowing for the center to reopen for Spring programming which starts in January. The new playground and tennis courts and the related park work are anticipated to be complete in late January.

Thank you all for your patience.

Please use this link to find out more info on the project if you have additional questions!

]]>Minnie & Lovie Fields Renovation Begins Today!http://sfrecpark.org/minnie-lovie-field-renovation-begins-today/
Fri, 11 Oct 2013 23:39:52 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=57563Hello Minnie & Lovie Park Supporters. We wanted to let everyone know that we have finally started construction on the athletic field project. The contractor has already started some of the demolition work on fencing and site furniture. Over the next few weeks, you will see a lot of construction … Continue reading →]]>

Hello Minnie & Lovie Park Supporters. We wanted to let everyone know that we have finally started construction on the athletic field project. The contractor has already started some of the demolition work on fencing and site furniture. Over the next few weeks, you will see a lot of construction activity during this site preparation phase.

The Department hosted a ground breaking ceremony on the large baseball field today..

]]>Little Hollywood Park Renovation Updatehttp://sfrecpark.org/little-hollywood-park-renovation-update/
Fri, 27 Sep 2013 21:59:01 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=53391We had a very productive meeting on 7-19-2013. We were joined by neighbors, a representative from Supervisor Cohen’s Office, and a Public Safety Officer. We will continue to work with the community during construction, and the Supervisor’s Office to address concerns.

Thank you for joining us, we value your input!

]]>Twin Peaks Trails Improvement – Tree Assessmenthttp://sfrecpark.org/twin-peaks-trails-improvement-tree-assessment/
Tue, 24 Sep 2013 23:22:39 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=53370Below you will find a link to the Tree Assessment we promised you. This is the final report, as with the previous two reports copies will be provided at tonight’s meeting.

]]>Twin Peaks Trails Improvement Project – More Info, as Requested!http://sfrecpark.org/twin-peaks-trails-improvement-project-more-info-as-requested/
Tue, 24 Sep 2013 19:21:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=53358Continue reading →]]>As promised, here is the report from the Geotechnical Engineer (see below link); we will also bring copies to the meeting tonight. We are awaiting the arrival of the Hydrologists’ report, and will post that info as soon as we receive it. We hope you can make tonight’s meeting, please pass along this info to your neighbors. We appreciate your patience.

1) CatEx determination in response to community request for environmental impact report (I was working with the Planning Department this week to secure an official copy of this document to share with you)

2) Map showing USPS mail outreach completed by Rec and Park for the 2 community meetings in 2011 and the Commission hearing in 2012 for Glenview Drive ONLY!

3) Map showing geographic extent of USPS mail outreach completed for September 12, 2013 and September 24, 2013 public meetings

We are continuing to work on the concerns raised at the September 12, 2013 meeting:

1) We have forwarded hydrological/geotechnical concerns that neighbors shared with me to our hydrological consultant, who is working on her analysis;

2) We are working with an additional geotechnical engineer and will share these same concerns with him;

3) We have an arborist consultant assessing whether there are hazardous trees within range of the proposed trail as well as anticipated impact of the brushing work and/or hazardous tree mitigation work on windthrow effect of downslope trees

4) We are working with our landscape architectural team to identify critical areas for screening and to develop graphics that show this so that we can discuss with you.

We look forward to sharing our findings with you at the upcoming public meeting on Tuesday, September 24 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Midtown Terrace Clubhouse.

]]>*** CAMP MATHER UPDATE ***http://sfrecpark.org/camp-mather-update-2/
Fri, 30 Aug 2013 16:45:44 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=52955Dear Camp Mather Friends and Families, As approximately 4,500 dedicated fire personnel grapple to contain the Rim Fire in the Yosemite area that has now burned over 192,000 acres, we wanted to continue to send updates regarding the status of Camp Mather, for which so many of you have expressed … Continue reading →]]>

Dear Camp Mather Friends and Families,

As approximately 4,500 dedicated fire personnel grapple to contain the Rim Fire in the Yosemite area that has now burned over 192,000 acres, we wanted to continue to send updates regarding the status of Camp Mather, for which so many of you have expressed concern.

It has been a traumatic ten days, but the camp is safe. No structures have burned, although we have incurred some minor damage to roads, irrigation, water pipelines, Birch Lake and most of all, our forest — but it is all fixable (perhaps the forest over much, much time). We are still fighting occasional spot fires in and around the camp so we are not completely out of the woods, but the worst has moved on.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the many, many people who continue to fight the fire and who have been instrumental in helping to keep our beloved camp safe from harm.

We owe an extra special debt of gratitude to Recreation and Park Department employees Mike Cunnane, Paul Spring and John Ascariz, who have provided invaluable support at the camp – ranging from pumping clean water, providing food to fire fighters, providing historical and geographical information and helping to keep the camp safe in whatever way they were asked.

Big thanks as well to Rec and Park’s Larry McNesby, Mark Buckman and Neil Hemming, who left yesterday for camp to supplement the efforts of Mike, Paul and John. We will also be contributing an urban forestry crew to assist in damage assessments and recovery operations.

And, of course, the PUC and San Francisco Fire Department (particularly Assistant Chief Tom Siragusa) who inserted themselves quickly at the incident command post to ensure San Francisco’s assets were protected. And the list goes on….

We are working very closely with the PUC and a variety of other local, state and federal agencies. Mather will be open for business for some time into the future, hosting the multi-agency recovery effort in our immediate area that will come next.

Once the embers have cooled – pun intended – we should discuss how we can best use this event which has brought so much attention to our camp to galvanize resources that will help us not just restore it, but protect it well into the future.

Thanks to all of you for the love, support, concern and attention you continue to invest.

Sincerely,

Phil Ginsburg, General Manager
San Francisco Recreation and Parks

]]>SF Chronicle: Google will pay for free wireless in SF parkshttp://sfrecpark.org/sf-chronicle-google-will-pay-for-free-wireless-in-s-f-parks/
Wed, 24 Jul 2013 21:10:19 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=47466By Marisa Lagos, SF Chronicle San Francisco is finally getting free Wi-Fi – at least in 31 city parks. Six years after a deal to blanket the city fell apart, Supervisor Mark Farrell and Google will announce a plan Wednesday to bring public wireless Internet access, on the technology company’s dime, to parks, recreation … Continue reading →]]>

By Marisa Lagos, SF Chronicle

San Francisco is finally getting free Wi-Fi – at least in 31 city parks.

Six years after a deal to blanket the city fell apart, Supervisor Mark Farrell and Google will announce a plan Wednesday to bring public wireless Internet access, on the technology company’s dime, to parks, recreation centers and plazas across San Francisco. The $600,000 gift from Google will cover the costs of the equipment, installation and maintenance of wireless capabilities for two years.

It will allow residents to work from Mission Dolores Park, let visitors download information to their mobile devices in Civic Center Plaza and make it easier for parents to sign their children up for recreation programs at centers from the Excelsior district to Bernal Heights, Chinatown, the Marina and the Sunset District. In some of those areas, it may be the easiest place to find Internet access, Farrell said.

“San Francisco should be a leader for bringing technology solutions to its residents and improving their quality of life on a day-to-day basis,” Farrell said. “There are so many added benefits – it will help bridge the digital divide, it will empower local residents and community groups who will have access at local parks, and it will help Recreation and Park Department staff sign up kids for camps and recreation programs with Internet speed many people would be shocked doesn’t already exist.”

Mayor Ed Lee praised the plan as a “great example” of the “public-private partnerships (that) are key to the delivery of better services for our residents in the 21st century.”

A handful of other city properties are wired for free Internet access, including parts of City Hall, San Francisco International Airport and public housing developments. The city is also looking into offering access along the Market Street corridor. But citywide access, which former Mayor Gavin Newsom proposed in 2007, has yet to come to fruition. A proposed deal between the city, Earthlink and Google back then collapsed amid political bickering between the mayor and the Board of Supervisors and concerns over the terms of the contract.

A late adopter

Despite being a hub for tech companies -and City Hall’s location 35 miles from Google headquarters – San Francisco has been a surprisingly slow adopter in some ways. For example, many older recreation facilities still use dial-up connections, said Recreation and Park Director Phil Ginsburg.

“We really are trying to make our parks system as technologically robust as we can, and this is going to go a long way,” he said. “This is a best practice; New York City parks have Wi-Fi, in Paris every city park has Wi-Fi. We want to make it easier for people to spend more time in parks and enjoy them. … This is a great equalizer.”

Veronica Bell, a senior manager for public policy and government relations at Google, said the company is “proud to provide free Wi-Fi in San Francisco, a city where thousands of its employees work and live.

“We hope that free Wi-Fi will be a resource that the city and other local groups will be able to use in their efforts to bridge the digital divide and make their community stronger,” she said in a statement. The company has funded Wi-Fi projects in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood and at Boston’s South Station.

Taking the lead

Farrell said he approached Google’s government relations team more than two years ago to reopen discussions about free Wi-Fi. He has a personal relationship with a member of that team, he said.

“Naturally they were hesitant because of what happened a number of years ago, but at the same time there was interest,” he said. “The sentiment was, since trying to do citywide Wi-Fi like before might be met with resistance, let’s pick off an area that makes a ton of sense and would make a huge difference to residents’ daily lives. If we get it done right, we can use it as a model moving forward, ultimately with the goal of free Wi-Fi across the city.”

City officials worked hard to ensure that the program will reach “all across San Francisco” and affect plazas and parks that get the most use, Farrell said.

And it’s important to note that the proposal is a gift from Google to the city’s Department of Technology, “with no strings attached,” he said.

“A large part of why the prior efforts failed was, the public was skeptical of a business model in which companies would be profiting.”

Google has enlisted Sf.citi, an association of San Francisco tech companies founded by angel investor Ron Conway, to help administer the program, including managing equipment installation and maintenance and doing community outreach.

The project must be approved by the Planning Department; the Recreation and Parks Commission will also have to approve an agreement with the Department of Technology, and the Board of Supervisors will have to accept the gift. Farrell said he expects that installation could begin by November and be finished by April.

Free Wi-Fi

Recreation and Park Department properties that will receive free wireless through a gift from Google:

]]>DuPont Courts Restroom Updatehttp://sfrecpark.org/dupont-courts-restroom-update-2/
Sat, 29 Jun 2013 20:03:38 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=47084RPD received an appeal of the demolition permit for replacement of the free-standing restroom. DuPont Tennis Courts is now partially reopened until further notice.
]]>Travel + Leisure Names GGP One of World’s Besthttp://sfrecpark.org/travel-leisure-names-ggp-one-of-worlds-best/
Mon, 20 May 2013 17:26:36 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=46473Great news! Travel + Leisure Magazine has just named Golden Gate Park as one of the world’s most beautiful city parks. Here’s to all of you who love your city parks, and here’s to all of the men and women who work every day to keep it sparkling. Get out … Continue reading →]]>

Great news! Travel + Leisure Magazine has just named Golden Gate Park as one of the world’s most beautiful city parks. Here’s to all of you who love your city parks, and here’s to all of the men and women who work every day to keep it sparkling. Get out and play!

]]>Street Soccer Coming to The City in Junehttp://sfrecpark.org/street-soccer-coming-to-the-city-in-june/
Mon, 20 May 2013 17:23:10 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=46471The City has announced plans to host the Street Soccer USA West Coast Cup, a tournament to raise awareness for homelessness and bridge the gap between our various communities, in June. The tournament will include homeless teams from cities across the nation, playing and competing with corporate teams. The San … Continue reading →]]>

The City has announced plans to host the Street Soccer USA West Coast Cup, a tournament to raise awareness for homelessness and bridge the gap between our various communities, in June.The tournament will include homeless teams from cities across the nation, playing and competing with corporate teams. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department will partner with Mayor’s Office of Housing Opportunity, Partnership & Engagement (HOPE) and Street Soccer USA to host games at Embarcadero Plaza. For more information, click here, and check out this cool video, courtesy of Street Soccer USA.

]]>City Scores Victory for Kids, Soccerhttp://sfrecpark.org/city-scores-victory-for-kids-soccer/
Fri, 10 May 2013 14:03:28 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=46303Great news! The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously today to uphold the permit for the Beach Chalet Athletic Field renovation project at the West End of Golden Gate Park, perhaps the most vetted public project in Rec and Park history. The Commission’s vote means the renovation project can move forward … Continue reading →]]>

Great news! The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously today to uphold the permit for the Beach Chalet Athletic Field renovation project at the West End of Golden Gate Park, perhaps the most vetted public project in Rec and Park history.

The Commission’s vote means the renovation project can move forward and allow the city to continue to address San Francisco’s critical lack of playing fields. The project will result in more than 9,000 additional hours of play each year at the heavily used but worn down facility.

The project is part of a public-private partnership between the City and the City Fields Foundation, which has been helping to renovate athletic fields across the city since 2006. The partnership was formed in response to a 2004 assessment study that showed the city needed an additional 65 athletic fields to meet the growing demand of youth, students and athletes who rely on our fields every day for exercise and play.

The Beach Chalet project includes the renovation of the existing 80-year-old soccer facility, including four new synthetic turf fields, a spectator plaza, field lights, seating, and a children’s playground.

The project will replace four grass soccer fields which are in poor condition due to heavy use, drainage issues and gopher infestation. The fields are some of the worst in the city and are often the first to close and the last to reopen when it rains. The facility is also closed four to five months out of the year, and at least one field is always closed on a rotating basis to allow for rest and regrowth, despite the best efforts of staff.

Outside Lands has announced its lineup for this year’s concert, August 9-11, in Golden Gate Park. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, April 18, at 12 noon PST. Log onto http://lineup.sfoutsidelands.com for more information.

]]>Golden Gate Park Named One of U.S.’s Top Public Parkshttp://sfrecpark.org/golden-gate-park-named-one-of-u-s-s-top-public-parks/
Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:36:52 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=45239The Weather Channel has just released its list of America’s Best Public Parks and our very own Golden Gate Park makes the list! “An oasis in the city, Golden Gate Park offers trails to walk or hike, playgrounds, picnic areas, lakes, dog-friendly areas, museums, a carousel, and even Segway tours … Continue reading →]]>

The Weather Channel has just released its list of America’s Best Public Parks and our very own Golden Gate Park makes the list! “An oasis in the city, Golden Gate Park offers trails to walk or hike, playgrounds, picnic areas, lakes, dog-friendly areas, museums, a carousel, and even Segway tours to those who wish to enjoy the tranquility and scenery the park has to offer.” See the entire list here.

]]>Community Message at Open House: Happy Our Plan is Moving Forward, Please Manage Construction Carefullyhttp://sfrecpark.org/community-message-at-open-house-happy-our-plan-is-moving-forward-please-manage-construction-carefully/
Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:34:16 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=43336Continue reading →]]>After nearly a year of environmental review, the community members attending the Mission Dolores Park Rehabilitation Project Open House were happy to see the design is moving forward with few changes. They also pointed out that the next challenge is publicizing and managing the construction process to minimize disruption of park life and false rumors of park closures.

The project team called the February 6th Open House at the Dolores Park Church once all the design changes had been included in the rehabilitation plan. The 75 community members who attended were happy to see that only three noticeable changes had been made to their plan and even those could be seen as refinements following the spirit of the design that was developed and reviewed during the Design Workshops in 2011:

The South Restroom was moved closer to the Helen Diller Playground to further improve accessibility. It remains hidden under the hillside.

The Park Maintenance Building entrance was moved west toward Church St. to further minimize the impact of the new building, placing the visible portions closer to the corner of 18th and Church Streets that already houses other infrastructure, including the MUNI stop.

The treatment of the historic MUNI stop under the 19th St. Bridge was refined to even more carefully balance preservation while discouraging misuse of the space. Now rather than bury the station and the steps, the area will be covered by planter boxes, so it can’t be misused, but the historic structure can still be seen.

(Below we have attached all the plans and information shared at the open house if you would like more detail.)

The lack of significant changes after a year of Planning Department Review is a testament to the thoughtfulness and balance of the community’s rehabilitation plan. It is also a testament to the work of the project team, who spent the year balancing the proposal’s potential impact on the existing park with the need to honor the Community’s desires for much needed park improvements. The team successfully explained that changing any part of the plan impacted that balance, so only essential changes should be made—and those changes should be guided by the community’s intent.

The one concern repeated by many open house attendees was the sensitivity of planning and publicizing construction. Most agreed that the current two phase construction plan was the best alternative because it is simple and shortens the length of the construction period by 4-6 months. Under the two phase plan, the project will take place in two six month stages beginning in March 2014. In the first six months, the portion of the park south of the promenade will be rehabilitated and all the buildings in project will begin construction. In the second stage, beginning October 2014, the northern half of the park will be rehabilitated and the buildings will be completed. The new playground will remain open throughout construction. Other phasing alternatives had considered more phases to keep more of the park open at any one time, but the result was a longer and more expensive project. Community members agreed that getting the project done quickly, while always having half of the park open, was the right plan.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions about the project or the open house, please contact the project manager, Jake Gilchrist, at 415-581-2561 Jacob.Gilchrist@sfgov.org

]]>Dolores Park Project Open House Wed. Feb. 6, 5:30-7:30PMhttp://sfrecpark.org/dolores-park-project-open-house-wed-feb-6-530-730pm/
Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:10:03 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=43181Continue reading →]]>In the last year, the Mission Dolores Park Rehabilitation Project has moved forward through environmental review and documentation. The project team is now ready to share the updated plans with you and the entire park community.

Please join us for a Community Open House this Wednesday, February 6th from 5:30-7:30 at the Dolores Park Church, 455 Dolores St. The fully accessible entrance is on Dolores between 18th & Dorland.

You may join us at whatever time between 5:30-7:30 that is most convenient for you and quickly get an update on the project and answers to any questions you have.

In addition to the updated designs, the project team will also be sharing the updated construction phasing schedule. We need your input to ensure that we have the best
schedule possible to minimize disruptions while efficiently completing the improvement of the park.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions about the project or the open house, please contact the project manager, Jake Gilchrist, at 415-581-2561 Jacob.Gilchrist@sfgov.org